TPIE Showcases In Vogue Tropicals

Tropical plants are becoming a hot trend in the ever-evolving world of floriculture, making a bold statement with their exotic flair and commanding the attention of professionals and customers alike.

The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE), taking place Jan. 17 and 18, 2008, at the Broward County Convention in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., offers a one-stop event for all things related to tropical plants.

The event boasts an extensive focus on tropical plants, topics and connections. On the menu are a multilevel trade show with nearly 500 vendors, a special display room showcasing the newest plants and products the industry has available, and an extensive marketplace for tropicals. A wide range of tropical topics also will be highlighted through the TPIE Short Course, demonstrations and a new Tropical Inspiration display.

The Short Course will offer its popular tropical foliage nursery tour on Jan. 16. In addition, classes targeted for retail and interiorscape professionals will be offered on Jan. 17 and 18. Keynote speaker Amy Steward, author of Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful in the Business of Flowers, will share what she's learned from consumers in relation to flowers and plant purchases and what it means to "go green" for those who sell floral and plant products.

TPIE demonstrations consist of 15- to 20-minute how-to presentations on diverse topics including adding a tropical twist to the landscape, the dish on dish gardens and tropical plant gift ideas. The Tropical Inspiration display in the main lobby will focus on the use of tropicals in floral arrangements, both as cut foliage and living floral arrangements. The event also encourages networking opportunities through programs such as the Garden Centers of America Networking Breakfast, as well as the opening-night reception at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino.

TPIE is organized by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association. For more information, visit www.fnla.org[1] or e-mail info@fngla.org[2].